The Chronic Care Policy Alliance (CCPA), joined by more than 50 partner organizations, submitted the following letter to Congressional leadership urging the permanent reinstatement of Medicare telehealth flexibilities that expired on October 1, 2025.
October 31, 2025
RE: Urgent Need to Permanently Reinstate Expired Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities
Dear Speaker Johnson, Majority Leader Thune, Minority Leader Jeffries, and Minority Leader Schumer:
The Chronic Care Policy Alliance (CCPA), along with the 52 undersigned organizations respectfully urge Congress to take immediate action to reinstate the Medicare telehealth flexibilities that expired on October 1, 2025.
These flexibilities, originally enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic, have proven to be vital in expanding access to care, reducing costs, and improving outcomes, especially for those living in rural areas, and individuals managing chronic conditions. For these Americans, telehealth is not a convenience, it is a lifeline. Because of the lapse in congressional authorization, millions of patients are now at risk of losing access to critical virtual care services.
In addition, in urban areas where access is ideally easier, provider shortages have made it increasingly difficult for people to get the care they need. This is particularly critical in fields like behavioral health, where a shortage of mental and behavioral health professionals leaves many without support. While most behavioral health telehealth services remain unaffected, one key flexibility has expired: the six-month in-person requirement for telemental health services. This means that, going forward, patients must have had an in-person visit with a physician or practitioner within the prior six months to qualify for ongoing telehealth-based mental health care. Established patients who began treatment during the waiver period and are currently receiving behavioral health services via telehealth are exempt from this in-person requirement.
This issue has taken on even greater urgency following a recent release of CMS guidance to all Medicare fee-for-service providers and Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs), directing them to continue the temporary hold on telehealth claims not related to behavioral or mental health services for dates of service on or after October 1, 2025. While this action provides limited administrative clarity, it does not resolve the underlying disruption in patient care. Providers across the country remain hesitant or unable to offer telehealth services without assurance of payment, leaving many Medicare beneficiaries, especially those managing chronic or behavioral health conditions, without access to the virtual care they rely on.
CCPA commends Congress for recognizing the importance of telehealth during the pandemic and for extending flexibilities in past sessions. However, these benefits should not be viewed as temporary measures or as a political bargaining chip. They are integral to a modern, patient-centered healthcare system, and we must make a permanent place for them. The Telehealth Modernization Act of 2024, introduced by Representative Buddy Carter, would extend telehealth flexibilities for Medicare beneficiaries and expand access to care through federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics. By extending this successful COVID-era policy, this legislation provides certainty for patients and providers alike, ensuring older Americans and those in rural and underserved communities can continue to receive timely, high-quality care regardless of where they live.
We respectfully urge Congress and the Administration to work together to:
- Immediately reinstate the Medicare telehealth flexibilities that expired on October 1, 2025;
- Permanently authorize these flexibilities to ensure stable, fair access to care for all Medicare beneficiaries;
- Support bipartisan legislation that expands telehealth access and ensures equality across all regions and populations.
Making permanent telehealth flexibilities is a commonsense, patient-centered approach to ensure continuity of care, reduce disparities, and maintain the momentum of healthcare innovation. We respectfully request that you prioritize permanent waivers, providing much-needed stability for patients and healthcare providers alike. With your leadership, these vital services can be swiftly restored and stabilized.
We urge you to act without delay to restore and safeguard these services.
Sincerely,
Liz Helms
Founder and Director
Chronic Care Policy Alliance (CCPA)
ADAP Advocacy
AiArthritis
Alliance for Women’s Health and Prevention
American Foundation for Women’s Health
American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders
Association of Cancer Care Centers
Bleeding Disorders Council of California
California Chronic Care Coalition
Caregiver Action Network
Center for Patient Advocacy Leaders
Color of Gastrointestinal Illnesses
Colorado Gerontological Society
Complex Care Solutions
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation
Derma Care Access Network
DownPat Consulting
Epilepsy Foundation of America
Fibromyalgia National Health Organization
FL Society of the ACOFP
Florida Osteopathic Medical Association
Global Coalition on Aging
GO2 for Lung Cancer
HealthHIV
Health Promotion Council of Southeastern Pennsylvania
HealthyWomen
ICAN, International Cancer Advocacy Network
Infusion Access Foundation
International Myeloma Foundation
Invisibleillness
Kindred Health Coaching
Let’s Talk About Change
Lifelong: Health For All
Liver Coalition of San Diego
Lupus and Allied Diseases Association, Inc.
Lupus Foundation of America
MG THERAPY, LLC
Mid South Liver Alliance
Miles for Migraine
National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention
Neuropathy Action Foundation
Nevada Chronic Care Collaborative
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Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease
Patient Advocates United in San Diego County
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Social Work Hospice + Palliative Care Network
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